“It was a game we knew was going to be difficult. We faced the best team in the league
and the team came with the mentality to walk away with the three points. In the first half we played well. We
were well organized on the pitch. We took advantage of the spaces they gave us
because they pressed forward a lot and that gave us clear options. In the second half certain factors had
us defending on our back foot. The first factor was the opposing team had to
risk more to go forward. A series
of problems with a couple of players that are not 100 percent because they are
recuperating from injuries and were not able to finish the game the way they
should. I’m happy with the result because the team deserved it. They were able to keep possession in
the second half, but we didn’t give them much space. I’m happy with certain individual performances because
although they are young they are showing their potential. We are building a team for the future.”

On Sean
Johnson’s MLS debut

“Johnson had a great performance and that speaks volumes about his
abilities and character, because it’s not easy to play here at The Home Depot
Center against the best team and be such an important player because he had two
or threes great saves, which allowed us to walk away with three points.”

On the
penalties awarded to the Galaxy

“I really didn’t see the first penalty, and I don’t want to over step my
boundaries but I don’t think the second penalty should’ve been awarded, because
I saw that play and the player intended to deceive the referee. It would’ve
been shameful to go back home without three points because of a refereeing
decision.”

CHICAGO
FIRE GOALKEEPER SEAN JOHNSON

On making
his MLS debut

“I think it was good, overall it was comfortable. That’s the most
important thing coming off two games in the Superliga, I had confidence coming
in. It’s another game, it’s an important game. To start off with a win in the second half of the season was
huge for us.

On the
two penalties

“It’s part of the game, you never know what’s going to happen, you have
to be prepared and stay focused for 90 minutes. We came out with a win, no
matter what happened with the two penalties, the call outside the box, but
coming out with the win is the most important thing.”

CHICAGO
FIRE MIDFIELDER MARCO PAPPA

On the
game:

“It was a close game. Our primary goal was to collect three points, but
I think we need to improve and work hard this week to prepare for the next
game.”

On
scoring the first goal of the game

“It was a great collective effort; I received a pass that was switched
from the other side of the field while on a diagonal run and put the ball past
the goalkeeper. A goal is a team effort and shows the quality of a team.”

CHICAGO
FIRE MIDFIELDER MIKE BANNER

On the game:

“It was good. We went up 3-0 early but we pretty much defended the whole
game. We fought and defended. The referee made a few calls, pk’s [penalties],
all we did was fight.

On his
goal:

“I saw Marco winding up for a shot and I expected a rebound and it came
right to me. It couldn’t have
fallen any better for me and I put it in.”